A Grand Day Out.

Rola Cola Sponsored English League Two
Shrewsbury Town FC 0 - 1 Rochdale AFC

Journey

It's 09:45.  I'm standing under the dreaming spire of the Town Hall clock tower with Mr. Keane.  We are waiting for the coach to arrive.

In the chaotic aftermath of the Dagenham game, I handed a bloke I had never met £10 on the understanding that I would have a seat on the 'unofficial' coach to Shrewsbury.  When you put it like that - it seems pretty risky.  It was a bit of a relief when the coach rolled up.

Such is the demand to see Dale these days that the official coaches simply aren't enough.  So, a couple of enterprising fans had organised this one.  Pretty impressive.  Cheers lads.

As we waited, a trickle of fans arrived - Mr. Booth and Mr. Murray from my trip to Cheltenham amongst them - and before long the coach was full.  After a brief delay while cans and bottles were grudgingly surrendered to our lady driver, we were heading south to a enthusiastic chorus of 'Away the Dale'.

I have been to Shrewsbury a few times - I went last season.  I have never been to Shrewsbury the way we went today.  It took quite a while.  Well over two hours in fact.  On a coach with a toilet which seemed to be permanently engaged, this was not a welcome development for some.  When we made landfall at the Brooklands Hotel - those charging to he toilet almost outnumbered those charging to the bar.  

In the warm spring sunshine Mr. Keane, Coat Dave, John, Lee and I stood on the lawn (yeah, I know - a lawn! fancy) outside the Brooklands, with a pint of Shropshire Gold in hand we discussed the demise of Chester and Farsley, the shocking record of Durham City (played 27, lost 27, scored 16, conceded 137), watched a bizarre tribute to Michael Jackson (at least that is what I hope it was) - and prepared ourselves for the imminent prospect of helicopters.     

A grand day out - and we hadn't even seen the game yet.

Weather  

Warm and sunny, punctuated by freezing cold when cloud got in the road.

Food  

Here's the thing.  I'm on a diet.  So a beef and horseradish roll would be bang out of order - even at the bargain price of £2.  A second beef and horseradish roll - well that would be just outrageous.  Add in a chicken and mushroom pie - I'd be taking the mick.  Don't tell the missus.

Ground

It's new!  It's shiny!  It's the Prostar Stadium! 

The opinion of the fans on the coach seemed to be that the Gay Meadow - Shrewsbury's old ground - won out in one key respect.  It had soul.  Maybe the Prostar will 'wear in' in time - but for the moment at least, it has all the charm of a shopping centre.

There was one rather quaint feature though.  A sign in the back of one of the stands which read - 'BREATH ON 'EM SALOP!'  I don't know what this means.  I found it a little troubling.

Weird signage aside, over 700 Dale fans had made the trip - nicely filling the away stand.  They were just getting the singing going - when a helicopter turned up.

News

Masked hero?  After his unscheduled trip to the ground last week, Awesome Dawson has been despatched to 'that' London to have a protective face mask fitted.  Apparently he's bust summat in his fizog.  Can I be first to suggest a Spiderman design?

Silverware already?  Mr. Flitcroft, amongst others, will be heading to 'that' London for the Football League awards dinner.  My advice?  Take a big bag - awards can go in the bag - but so can the dessert trolley.

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Fielding
Def: Wiseman, McArdle, Stanton, Kennedy (T)
Mid: Taylor, Jones, Kennedy (J)
For: Higginbotham, Dagnall, O'Grady

Good news - Wiseman fit again.  Bad news - Dawson (in spite of Spiderman mask) isn't.  Good news - McArdle slots back in at centre half. 

If I might just spare a moment to reflect on the surreal events prior to kick off.    Out of the spring sky, an RAF helicopter appeared, landed in the centre circle, a be-helmeted chap got out and handed the match ball to Shrewsbury's club mascot, the helicopter lifted off, piroueted - bowing to each stand in turn and spiraled off into the sky.  Probably not something I am likely to see again anytime soon.  With barely a moment to digest what we had just seen - Mr. Culshaw and I were live on air.  I narrowly managed to avoid blurting 'HELICOPTER!' to the listening public.  Always remain proffesional - that's my moto.

Mr. D'Urso blew his whistle - which Shrewsbury striker, Jamie Cureton, must have taken as a signal to hide - and we were underway. 

After the Lincoln experience, Dale seemed in no mood to be stifled out of the game.  In the opening minutes a speculative Tom Kennedy effort from range found the Shrew's defence dozing and their 'keeper, sometime Dale loanee David Button, calmly watching the ball in flight.  Kennedy's effort bent freakishly, almost sneaking past the onlooking Button - but it didn't bend quite enough - the post came to the rescue.

Dale continued to press - but the next serious effort came from the home side.  Benjamin Van Der Broek profitted from slack Rochdale passing and ran most of the length of the field before unleashing a fizzing shot which had Fielding at full stretch to tip it over the bar.  It would be Shewsbury's only significant effort of the half.

Higginbotham, Dagnall and O'Grady went up a gear in response.  Shrewsbury seemed curiously disinterested in anything other than blocking Dale out.  The balance of the half was played at or around the edge of the Shrewsbury area.  Jones, Dagnall and Taylor all had chances to open the scoring for Rochdale - but each time Button was equal to the challenge.  The half ended with Tom Kennedy rapping the home side's cross bar with a free kick.

A massively dominant Dale could be excused for feeling slightly frustrated as Mr. D'Urso indicated half time.  Jamie Cureton re-emerged from where ever he had been lurking to trot down the tunnel.

As the various media folks dispersed in search of coffee or whatever - a local radio guy quipped to his commentary partner, 'the helicopter is coming back to deliver another ball for the second half - so that our lads can have a go.'

I also made a startling discovery.  I am still basically twelve years old.  When the tannoy man announced that the half time draw had been won by Mr. B. Elland - I sniggered until the second half started.  Oh come on!  B. Elland!         

Mr. D'Urso got things going again, Jamie Cureton promptly vanished and Shewsbury found a toehold in the game.  It was fairly untidy stuff - but amidst the scruffy play, the Shrews forced a handful of corners.  One of which saw former Dale loanee Shane Cansdell-Sherriff (sometime favourite of the club shop's lettering lady) head the ball against the post and then almost capitalise on the rebound - fortunately for Dale no more than the side netting was troubled.

With Shrewsbury clawing their way back into the game Dale needed a little something extra to make their early dominance count.  Around the hour mark Joe Thompson trotted on.  Minutes later he was most alert to a tempting delivery from a Tom Kennedy free kick - Button dithered - Thompson didn't.  1-0 Dale!

Thompson and Jason Kennedy both had chances to extend the lead but wayward finishing spared Button serious bother.  With Dale firmly back in their stride, the home side found themselves down to ten men - Dagnall had turned Cansdell-Sherriff and was haring towards the homeside's goal when the big Aussie pulled off a text book Aussie rules tackle.  Mr. D'Urso had little to think about - straight red.

Jones and Dagnall both had chances to extend the lead as the clock wound down - but Button was equal to the challenge.  Jamie Cureton briefly reappeared - whilst being subbed for Mr. Simpson's little boy.  Shrewsbury won a late corner - Button charged up field to make his presence felt.  All for nought.  1-0 it stayed.

Speak Your Brains 

Your cast for today: Mr. Keane, Coat Dave, John, Lee, Me and a coach full of ecstatic Dale fans.

• Bournemouth didn't play today - Dale move nine points clear at the top.
• Shrewsbury barely played today - and dropped out of the play-off zone.  A very odd performance from an undeniably good side.
• Chant of the day: Keith Hill's Barbour jacket - to the tune of Keith Hill's barmy army.
• If you have any idea where Jamie Cureton was between 3 and 5pm - please contact the management of Shrewsbury Town FC.
• Mr. Keane made a confession.  He had been 'bolting' again.  He has been doing this for years.  If you wish to see a man of middling years charge gazelle-like to the touchline to greet a triumphant goal scorer - I suspect you can catch the evidence on the Football League Show.  If you are of a nervous disposition - maybe you should leave it.
• B. Elland. Phnarrrr.
• Durham City recorded their first win of the season against FC United this afternoon.
• Amid a seemingly endless chorus of 'Blue Army!' and yet more Michael Jackson impersonations we headed north.  Truly a grand day out.

Swept

Rola-Cola Sponsored English League Two

Rochdale AFC 4 - 0 Shrewsbury Town FC

Journey

09:00 minus six degree's - or so the thermometer in my car said as I embarked on my Christmas shopping this morning.  Snow and ice lay thick across God's Country.  Driving was a bit chaotic - but nothing in comparison  to being stuck in the Channel Tunnel all night as thousands of unfortunate folks were last night.

As well as causing delays on every kind of transport you can imagine and causing misery to travellers the length of the nation: there was the small matter of todays fixture lists.

The weather had gone through them like an icy rapier.  By 10am the postponements ran into double figures.  But way down at the bottom of the list on the BBC sports page were the following words:

Rochdale vs. Shrewsbury - pitch inspection.

Local neighbours Bury and Accrington's games had already been postponed - but there was still a faint hope that today's fixture at Spotland would be on.  Hope took the form of Head Groundsman, Phil Collinson, his team and a little army of volunteers.  While I was doing my bit to end the retail recession - they were shovelling and sweeping the pitch covers clear.  With the snow swept away - the green acres of Spotland were revealed and today's referee, Mr. Shoebridge, declared it playable.  

By early afternoon the Spotland fixture was the only game left in League Two - because of Phil, his groundstaff, fifty volunteers and a whole lot of sweeping.  Respect.

With the hard graft long since done - I swept into the commentary area just after two o'clock.  Media fop.

Weather

I don't really want to labour the point - but - there was snow.  Lots.  And more to come.

Food

Hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies - almost...

Away Support

Considering the weather, it wasn't a surprise that the good folk of Shropshire hadn't flocked to Spotland today - maybe 200 - probably less.

The decimated fixture list did turn up an unexpected bonus today though.  A group of Barnet fans who had been en-route to Accrington redirected to Spotland when the Crown Ground was declared un-playable.  2956 folk would watch the game today.  Taking the weather into account - not too bad.

News

Backe to basics?  So after the mystery buyers, celebrity coaches, big name signings, embarrasing departures, and surprising re-sale - what could Notts County come up with next?  Hans Backe resigns.  More from Notts County-Enders-Street-Farm next time.  Probably.

Happy Birthday.  Mr. Keith Hill and Mr. David Flitcroft celebrate their third anniversary in charge of Rochdale AFC this week.  Their present might be a bit delayed - until May-ish - with luck.      

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Heaton

Def: Kennedy(T), Stanton, Dawson, Wiseman

Mid: Atkinson, Taylor, Kennedy(J), Thompson

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Taberner, McArdle, Flynn, Toner, Jones, Glover, Higginbotham

No changes from the side which saw off Lincoln last week - Gary Jones although fit again fails to dislodged Jason Taylor from the Rochdale midfield and once again takes his spot on the bench.  

Today see's an inconsistent Shewsbury side visit Spotland, led by sometime Dale player, manager and fan favourite Paul Simpson.  Things have changed a bit for the Shrews since their last visit to Spotland - a play-off semi final win over 'That Famous Old Club', was swiftly followed by a play-off final defeat to Gillingham and the subsequent departure of Grant Holt to Norwich City.  This season has seen the Shrews beat Rotherfield and hold Notts County-Enders-Street-Farm to a hard fought draw - but lose to Darlington and fail to find a way past Grimsby last weekend.  Which team would turn up today was anyone's guess.

With Spotland wreathed in freezing fog, Mr. Shoebridge indicated the start of proceedings.  The weather had obviously heard the whistle as well - because it began to snow. 

In recent weeks I haven't reflected on exactly what it is like to watch Rochdale these days.  Put it this way - trying to commentate on it is a nightmare.  The ball fairly zips from man to man - there is barely time to draw breath as one-touch pass follows one touch pass.  However, the pretty passing belies a deeper truth - this must be the fittest Rochdale side I have ever seen.  The running on and off the ball is tireless and unremitting.  I guess the passing becomes easy when there is always someone moving into a position to receive the ball.  The critical ingredient isn't the nice passing or the tireless running though - it is the desire.  Every man in a Rochdale shirt wants the ball - all the time.  I have said it before - and I will say it again - this is just the best Dale side I have ever seen.

As the snow thickened Shrewsbury realised a deeply unpleasant truth.  They were hoplesly outclassed.

After just eight minutes the gulf in quality told.  A less than perfectly delivered corner from Tom Kennedy, was flicked on at the near post and found Craig Dawson.  The young defender unleashed a finish that would not look out of place from an exotic and probably highly expensive striker.  Sometime Dale loanee David Button in the Salop goal could do nothing to stop it .  1-0 Dale!

The snow was fairly tipping down by now.  The biggest concern was that Mr. Shoebridge might call the game off.  Heart's were in mouthes when he advanced toward the dugout's - but relief swept Spotland when it became clear he was only seeking to change the white ball for a yellow one.

Dale pushed for more, Dagnall lashing the ball accross the face of goal from inside the area - but it would take until minutes before half time for Dale to reinforce their lead.  

On thirty eight minutes Dagnall romped down the Shrews left, cut inside an laid the ball into the path of O'Grady.  O'Grady flicked the ball up and volleyed it from the edge of the area past Button's despairing dive .  The finish was almost contemptuous.  2-0 Dale!

Just before the break the Shrews generated their first real effort on goal.  From a short free-kick, Devitt lashed an effort just millimeters north of the bar.

Halftime arrived and I too realised an unpleasant truth.  Due to the cold, I had lost all feeling in my legs.  Desperate measures were required.  With Mr. Culshaw doing the talking we parlayed our way into an executive box.  This was a welcome first for me.  It was warm and hot drinks were free and plentiful.  Had we only arrived a few minutes earlier we could have been supping mulled wine and scarfing down mince pies.  Still, I wasn't complaining - my legs had resumed normal service.

The snow continued unabated as Mr. Shoebridge indicated the restart.  If anything Dale upped their game.  Just eight minutes in Rochdale extended their lead.  Another Tom Kennedy corner found Dawson loitering with intent.  His header found Button unprotected and unprepared.  3-0 Dale!

On the seventy minutes the rout was complete.  Tom Kennedy's free-kick squirmed through the wall - Button reacted well and punched clear - but only as far as O'Grady.  The finish was emphatic.  4-0 Dale!

Having been little better than spectators throughout the game, in the last twenty minutes Shrewsbury produced their first efforts on target.  Neither seriously troubled Heaton.

At somewhere around this point Mr. Culshaw got swept away with the excitement of the scoreline and the quality of Dale's performance and announced to the listening public that this was 'The Season'.  He didn't actually say the 'P' word - but he was just about as close as you can get without uttering the word out loud.  

As Mr. Shoebridge indicated full time and the PA requested volunteers to help put the pitch covers back on - I am guessing that a few Dale fans were thinking about thinking about whispering the 'P' word to a close family member.  Possibly in a locked room.

Speak You Brains

Your cast for today: Me

Seven points clear now.

Shrewsbury aren't a bad side - but today they were made to look very, very ordinary.  Dale simpy swept them aside. 

I won't go as far as saying this is The Season - but this is the best Dale team I have seen - ever.  What happens next is anyone's guess 

O'Grady moves onto 11 for the season, Dawson moves onto 8.

Dale will sweep into 2010 top of League Two.  Merry Christmas everyone.            

Getting away with it

Shrewsbury Town FC 1 - 1 Rochdale AFC

Journey:

11:30 am, Mr. Keane and Keane jnr. are stood on my doorstep. It is bank holiday Monday and the sun is shining.

Flushed with the success against Port Vale just two days ago there was real optimism in our ranks that Dale could continue their recovery against Shrewsbury today. Personally I would be delighted with a haul of four points from the two Easter games. Shrewsbury have pretty much the best home record in the league - so a point at the New Meadow would be a real achievement.

Whilst 4 points would probably not catapult Dale back into the automatic promotion berths it would leave them with three games and their fate very firmly in their own hands. If Dale won today - apart from me almost certainly having a case of the vapours - who knows what might be possible.

With my passengers safely installed we joined the M62 and headed south. Having travelled as far as the A627/M62 junction Jane had one of her senior moments and forgot where she was and where she was going. As has become the tradition this season the shotgun passenger is pressed into service as Jane's carer. Whilst Mr. Keane was perhaps slightly rougher than Messers Turner or Culshaw - he managed to coax her into doing SatNav things once more and we were on our way with Jane bonging happily to herself.

M62, M60, M62, M6, M56, M53 - Wales. Does it seem odd to anyone else that a trip to a town in England requires a detour through the land of expensive road signs? I mean c'mon: Wrexham/Wrecsam! Something similar had been planned for Rochdale - using local names for places on road signs - however, there is apparently some legislation on the use of profanity on public signage. The plan was abandoned.

Wales has plusses and minuses. It is extremely beautiful - I like a bit scenery the other side of my windscreen as you know. Unfortunately, this means the place is infested with English tourists - with caravans. As the Welsh borders are a roundabout rich environment the influx of caravans means only one thing - traffic jams. A journey which Jane had calculated to take 1hr 45mins took 2hrs 20mins.

Thus somewhat agitated and muttering dark oathes against the British Caravan Club I arrived at the New Meadow just after 2pm.

Weather:

Hot. Perfect conditions for sitting in a tail-back behind a caravan with an 'I heart Wales' sticker in the rear window.

Food:

With Mr. Keane and Keane jnr. despatched to the away end I joined Mr. Culshaw in the 'retail concourse area' beneath the main stand. In english that means - there are some shops. As we made our way to the commentary positions I picked up a chicken and mushroom pie - which by my reckoning is practically salad. Well it is nearly summer afterall.

Ground:

I have a confession to make. I did a bad thing. I am not proud of myself.

When I arrived at the New Meadow, Mr. Keane made a very valid point. Unless you are an official or an invited guest - you can't actually park at the ground. You have to park miles away and then get a bus back again.

Following the trials and tribulations of getting to Shrewsbury - I wasn't in the mood for yet more delays, so I made a quick assesment of the situation. Based on experience of the parking arrangements at football grounds, the general quality of stewards and the fact that I was resplendent in an official looking Rochdale AFC polo shirt - I decided to tell a huge fib.

I pulled up to the gate, wound the window down, looked the steward square in the eye and said: 'Mike Brookes, Rochdale Football Club'. The steward looked quizical and slightly flustered, so I followed up with: 'you have my car park pass'. 'You need to see him', he said and pointed to another steward just inside the gates. No going back now then.

I pulled up next to the designated steward and told my whopper again: 'Mike Brookes, Rochdale Football Club'. This chap really did look harrassed as he fumbled with various clip boards and such, so I followed up with: 'you have my car park pass'. Now, what I knew - and he should have known was that Mike Brookes was already in the ground. Fortunately his nerve cracked first - 'they've made a right mess of this today you know - here you are sir'. I smiled patronizingly, grabbed the pass and sped off. I got away with it!

I had been to the Gay Meadow a couple of times in the past, but this would be my first visit to the New Meadow. It really is rather splendid. I got quite excited about Dean Court having three matching stands - the New Meadow has four! My only criticism - if it really is one - is that it looks a little anti-septic. Perhaps just a bit too new. That said, it glittered and sparkled like a shiny new penny in the Easter sunshine. Very pretty.

To complete the effect something in the order of 800 Rochdale fans had made their way through the traffic jams to watch the game.

Action:

Unsurpisingly, nothing of note has happened since Saturday - so lets crack on with the team news.

Gary Jones continuing injury problems would once again rule him out - although he did appear briefly to do some light training before the game. Wiseman looks set to be out for the rest of the season having been diagnosed with a hernia. Following his injury on Saturday, Higginbotham would also be unavailable. Stanton would return from his suspension.

Fielding in goal. Ramsden, McArdle, Stanton & Kennedy at the back. Thompson, Keltie, Toner and Buckley in midfield. LeFondre and Dagnall upfront.

With the sun beating down from a clear blue sky, Mr. East got things started.

Now, I could dwell on what happened next - but it would be enough to say that Rochdale got a pretty comprehensive footballing lesson from the men of Shropshire. Ok then, lets dwell...

St. Adam threatened the Shrews goal early on with what ended up being a fairly tame effort - aside of that it was all Shrewsbury. Dale old boy Grant Holt had the travelling fans heart's racing when he attempted to beat a poorly positioned Fielding - from around forty yards. The effort ultimately went wide - but not before Fielding smashed into post as he frantically back pedalled and then collapsed into an undignified heap. A collective sigh of relief rose from the away end as Fielding regained his feet, gave himself a shake and carried on.

The first half was torrid for Rochdale. Once, twice, three times the Dale net gaped - at the mercy of the men of Shropshire - but their efforts flew over or wide. Only good fortune and the tenacious efforts of the Dale defence prevented the Shrewsbury avalanche bearing fruit - the reinstatement of Stanton proved critical in holding the the Shrews at bay.

As I made my dash for the comforts of the press room, a replica shirted Shrewsbury fan (probably espying my RAFC polo shirt) burst from the crowd and shouted, ' I bet you're embarrassed aren't you?'. It was a fair point - but with things still poised at 0-0 and considering the Shrews stanglehold on the game, quite who should be more embarrassed was open for debate.

The press room was pretty rubbish. Even allowing for my undignified gallop from the commentary area the buffet had already been stripped clean, save for two rather curly sandwiches - which I ate anyway. With a cup of free coffee in hand I trudged back to my commentary position. Mr. Keane's texted half time update pointed to the brilliance of Stanton in the first half and that he was developing a very healthy tan in the spring sunshine. I settled into the frigid shade of the main stand and waited for Shrewsbury to deliver the killer blow.

I didn't have to wait long.

Two minutes into the second half that man Holt struck.

An embarrassing mix up between Keltie and Toner saw them both try to clear the ball on the edge of the area. The resulting tangle spewed the ball out to the Shrews left - Moss fed the ball back into the area where Holt was prowling, his back to goal, McArdle shepparding him. Holt turned, Holt drove, Holt scored. 1-0 Shrewsbury.

The home fans heaved a sigh of relief and the home team relaxed. The intensity of the first half passed - Shrewsbury sat back. Dale toiled but got little change from an organised and disciplined Shrews back line.

Dale were not great. In spite of a good deal of effort and the introduction of Thorpe and Rundle they struggled to produce any serious effort on the Shrewsbury goal. The thing was - Shrewsbury were quite happy to watch Rochdale's hapless efforts and retired further and further into their own half.

Mr. Culshaw and I speculated along the usual footballing lines as to what might get Dale back into the game: (A) a moment of brilliance, (B) a mistake or (C) a set piece.

On seventy seven minutes options A and B put in an appearance.

With the game seemingly won Shrewsbury had set themselves to protect their hard won lead. In what appeared to be a final desperate throw of the dice - Dale went 4-3-3. Rundle being given a free role in midfield.

Perhaps the men of Shropshire were confused when Rundle popped up on the right - because he had acres of space to deliver a ball forward from just inside the Shrews half. Coughlan's untidy clearance found it's way directly to Dagnall. From twenty yards out, Dagnall controlled, Dagnall launched, Dagnall scored. 1-1!

With thirteen minutes left on the clock Shrewsbury repeated their performance at Spotland and collapsed. Dale scented blood in the water and pressed forward. Having set themselves for defence, Shrewsbury seemed incapable of recovering from their tauper. The closing moments were all Rochdale and but for the thickness of a coat of paint, Thorpe's late header could have delivered a thoroughly unlikely winner for Dale.

When Mr. East finally indicated the end of procedings, things were all square at 1-1.

Summary:

Gutsy. No one would have been surprised if Rochdale had given in at 1-0 down. But they didn't. In spite of an untrammeled battering in the first half Rochdale managed to hold themselves together - even after some sketchy defending had led to Shrewsbury's opener, Dale continued to persevere.

Admittedly, Dagnall's goal represented pretty much the best of Dales's efforts on goal - but what an effort! He had looked to be building to something against Port Vale - today he delivered.

Sometime's you footbal teams to death - sometimes you get away with it. Dale stay fifth.

Turner Watch:

Mr. Turner has got talent - Ant and Dec beckon.

13/04/09

Something Evil this way comes

Rochdale AFC 2 - 1 Shrewsbury Town FC

Journey:

Like most people, I spent yesterday stuffing myself with food to the point where I could no longer stand. Therefore it was a welcome relief to get out of the house today. Fresh air, a bit of exercise and a good distance between me and the nearest available turkey based treat. Plus it would provide an opportunity to test drive my Christmas jumper - natuarlly I would be wearing a coat - so serious humilliation would be averted.

I had already received word that Mr. Keane (terminal man-flu) and Mr. Turner (distracted by a family size tin of Cadbury's Roses) would not be coming to the game today. Chances were that I was going to be on my own. No matter. I'm kind of getting used to it now.

The trip to Spotland was notable for one thing: queues. The queue of traffic stretching all the way down Roch Valley Way promised a decent crowd. The queues at every turnstile I passed on my way to the Sandy ensured it.

Just as the players were concluding their warm-up I arrived at my regular vantage point. It did indeed appear that I would be alone. My last hope for company had been Mr. Mitchell and even he wasn't there. As the moments ticked away before kick off I resigned myself to spending the game listening to Staedler and Waldorf - who despite the fact that the game had not actually begun were already moaning.

But surely this is the season of good will, the season of miracles?

Having closed my eyes and clenched my jaw for the fifth or sixth time as I listened to Staedler and Waldorf drone on and on - I opened them again to find that Mr. Mitchell had appeared next to me.

I do believe in Father Christmas. I really do.

Weather:

Shimmering blue skies, bright sunshine glinting of the blades of the wind turbines on Knowl Hill and a strong breeze with more than just a hint of the north pole about it.

Food:

In the previous 24 hours I suspect that I had actually consumed my own not inconsiderable body weight. So I wasn't that hungary anyway. That said, even if I had been feeling peckish I would have probably been thwarted. The queue at the Sandy Lane Patisserie was never shorter than ten people long throughout the game. The only reason the queue eventually diminished was because the food ran out.

Away Support:

700 or more. An excellent showing considering the distance. Not bad singers - but Shrewsbury is pretty close to Wales - so I guess it is to be expected. Spent most of the game locked in a 'who are ya?!' contest with the inhabitants of the Pearl Street stand. I think it ended in a draw.

Action:

Today would be a stern test. Shrewsbury had spent big in the summer to assemble a team which had been habitually running up cricket scores throughout the season - but there is of course another dimension to todays contest. The ghosts of Christmases past.

The Shrews big summer splurge had seen them pip Dale for the signature of Grant Holt. Mr. Holt would be making his first return to Spotland today since leaving Rochdale in 2006 to join Nottingham Forrest. The 34 league goals he scored during his time at Dale mean he will always have a special place in the memories of Rochdale fans. His decision to shun a return to the Spotland playing staff in favour of a move to cash rich Shrewsbury would guarantee a mixed reception.

... and of course there is Mr. Simpson.

Shrewsbury's manager, Paul Simpson had been a fantastic player for Rochdale during the 2001-2 season. In 2002-3 he would go on to be one of the worst managers Rochdale has ever had. That season goes down in my memory as just about the most depressing year of football I have ever watched. I am fully mindful that Dale made it to the fifth round of the FA Cup that year (I went to Preston and Wolverhampton) - on the other hand, they only managed to crawl clear of the relegation zone in the closing weeks of the season. If you had wondered why I don't relish cup football - now you know.

So to today. Jones continuing injury problems mean he would not be taking part. Stanton would return to central defence. In spite of rumours of a bout of flu, Kennedy would take his place at left full-back. Buckley's absence from the starting line-up and bench provoked a good deal of speculation amongst the knowledgeable Sandy faithful. He has been linked with possible moves to a number of big name clubs. The concensus being that he will have gone to patures new in a matter of days.

The first half was in truth something of a none event. Scrappy, niggly and with shots on goal in pretty short supply. Shrewsbury probably had slightly the better of things. Rochdale held their own without generating any serious threat. As half time descended honours were very firmly even.

Mr. Golden Gamble worked his magic on the 4000+ holiday crowd - although when it came round to volunteers for the cross bar challenge - the pattern from early in the season held good and no-one offered to come onto the pitch and take part. With little else to divert us, Mr. Mitchell and I turned our thoughts to Jon Shaw. Just what do we make of our big summer signing? He had scored a good goal against Barnet in the second game of the season - and since then, well, not much. Granted he has suffered more than his share of injuries and with Dagnall, Thorpe and LeFondre all scoring his opportunities have been limited - in all competitions he has started just six games and joined from the bench three times.

The Verdict? Mr. Mitchell feels he is out of his depth and that we have probably seen all that there is to see. I think he is a decent player - you don't score twenty goals in the Conference by fluke alone. I suspect he needs more time and more games to settle in. The thing is - with Thorpe, LeFondre, Dagnall and now McEvilly on the books - will he get the chance?

Dale started the second period far more positively than in the first half. However, the early pressure from Rochdale yeilded nothing and then the ghost of Christmas past made his presence felt. On 59 minutes Grant Holt decided to remind everyone why Rochdale wanted him back. A cheeky flick over McArdle's head and a hammer blow of a volley defeated Russell. 1-0 Shrewsbury.

But Shrewsbury weren't the only ones with a ghost of Christmas past - and Rochdale's is EVIL!

Lee McEvilly had slipped onto the pitch just moments before Holt's spectacular opener replacing Shaw. Minutes later he would level things up for Rochdale.

The performance of todays match official had been slightly indifferent however his decision to award a free kick after St. Adam had been dragged earthwards in the area provoked wall of vocal criticism from the Sandy. We need not have worried. McEvilly set himself up for the freekick. Shrewsbury set their wall. McEvilly trundled forwards. The wall jumped to meet the impending thunderbolt. McEvilly side-footed it beneath their leaping feet, past the motionless keeper and into the back of the net. Evil. 1-1.

With the tie level and 3000+ Rochdale voices chanting 'Evil's gonna get ya!', Shrewsbury suddenly looked a very ordinary side indeed. Sustained pressure from Dale finally paid off on 83 when Keltie's corner was headed goalwards by Dagnall, a Shrews foot hacked the ball off the line - and straight into the on-rushing McEvilly's knee. Daniels in the Shrewsbury goal was once again left powerless. 2-1.

The game played out with Dale passing the ball around at will to joyful chants of 'OLE!'.

Merry Christams everyone.

Summary:

Gritty rather than elegant - a hard won and worthy three points. I have reflected that Rochdale have been missing something recently - since Jones enforced absence it has felt like the appetite to win has dwindled. The Evil one was having none of that today. From the moment he joined the game he put Shrewsbury under pressure - defenders who had more than the measure of Shaw suddenly found them selves marking six feet of barely controlled fury. I almost pitied them.

Turner Watch:

Full of Christmas spirit - and Roses.

26/12/08

Ch,ch,ch,ch - Changes.

Rochdale AFC 1 - 1 Shrewsbury Town FC

Journey:

It is usually at this point that I whine on about roundabouts, traffic and the like.

Not this week.

As I drove to Spotland this week I felt odd. It took me a while to work out what was up; as I parked the car it dawned on me what was the matter. The usual horrible sensation of pre-match anxiety was nowhere to be seen.

The last game of the season is usually at best a time for praying for some mathematical improbability to turn up; or at its darkest a time for praying that the worst does not happen; more typically a time to reflect on how much better next season will be - probably.

Not this time.

Whatever happens today, Rochdale AFC will be in the play-offs.

As I sauntered toward the Sandy and passed groups of Dale fans you could genuinely feel optimism in the air. A spring in people's step, smiling faces, backs being slapped. A genuinely different place to the Spotland Mr. Hill and Mr. Flitcroft took charge of eighteen months ago. Thanks guys.

Weather:

Warm and overcast.

Food:

Keane and Turner stuck to their burgers. I had a pie related disaster - but more of that later.

Away Support:

Easily 400 Shrews made the trip - possibly more. An attractive selection of fancy dress was on display including several smurfs and a chicken - to mention just a few. Vocal throughout - clearly determined to enjoy what remained of their season.

Usually I don't talk about the Dale support in this section - but as it is the last game of the regular season, I will do as I like. 3500 or more - truly awe inspiring. Our little group included: myself, Mr. Turner, Mr. Keane, both Keane junior's, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell's father-in-law Geoff, two un-named friends of Mr. Turner - oh - and in the story of the season: The Ice Cream Man Cometh - Mr. McCabe and the future to be ex-Mrs. McCabe also joined us. Sadly minus ice cream.

Action:

With a place in the play-off's secure it was likely that Mr. Hill may look to make a few changes. I was a little un-prepared for the exact number of changes he would make.

8.

Eight changes from the team which started against Bury last week. Dale resting players for a big game - how times change...

The effect of the wholesale alterations to the team were pretty clear from the kick-off. Dale looked ill at ease and disjointed. Shrewsbury took full advantage. The Shrews had more of the ball and strung together chance after chance in contrast to an at best muted response from Rochdale. It wasn't any real surprise when Shrewsbury took the lead on 34 minutes.

A freekick struck deep into the Dale area created chaos and the ball flashed into the net past a wrong-footed Lee. The official version of the game indicates that Asa Hall of Shrewsbury was the scorer - those of us behind the Sandy goal know the aweful truth. 1-0 Shrewsbury.

Dale did respond after going behind. But as half time arrived - Shrewsbury retained the advantage. As is the tradition at Spotland, half time is - 'Gooooooooolden Gamble Time!'. I met Mr. Golden Gamble in the toilets of the Studd's Bar at last Saturday's Indie Night. He gave an exclusive performance of 'It's Goooolden Gamble Time!' - truly something to tell the grandkids.

In the interval we got to hear the first airing of Rochdale's play-off anthem voted for by the readers of the Rochdale Observer - a little tune called 'Time to Believe' by a local outfit called 'The Shameless'. It begins with - you guessed it - 'It's Gooooooooooolden Gamble Time!'. Actually not that bad - and an improvement on the now rather grating 'Rochdale Hero's' - our centenary anthem. Just how many anthems do we need?

The real talking point of the first half was not actually football related. Our badger headed companion Mr. McCabe - had dyed his hair. Where once grey flecked his black mane - there was ginger. I mean - c'mon! Ginger!

Anyway, somewhere amidst the Mrs. Slocombe jokes the second half had begun.

Dale started far better in the second half and on 54 minutes, things were all square thanks to Chris Dagnall.

I would like to describe the goal for you - but unfortunately I was in the pie queue. So in Mr. Keane's words - this is what happened:

'The keeper dropped it, caught it, then dropped it again, Daggers steamed in and stuck it in the onion bag'.

A tour de force of factual simplicity.

The balance of the half was pretty open with chances for both sides. However, it seemed that with ten minutes to go that Dale had clinched all three points when St. Adam drilled the ball under a sprawling Bevan in the Shrewsbury goal. The referee was in the process of indicating a goal when he spotted a waving flag on the touchline.

How lucky we were to have the only linesman in the Football League with X-ray vision. In spite of the referee's clear view of Le Fondre from ten yards away - the linesman twenty yards behind Le Fondre had spotted a hand ball. How lucky we are indeed.

And so it ended - 1-1.

Summary:

A gamble from Mr. Hill which paid off in the end. Not the best game I have seen this season - but not to demean this contest - I honestly don't care - we are in the play-off's!

Gone are the days of the end of season pitch invasion - which is sad - but the Dale squad and staff came out and did a lap of honour around Spotland to endless applause.

'This is not the end, nor even the beginning of the end - but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning'.

Winston Churchill

Darlington - here we come!

Turner Watch:

Spent most of the game examining Mr. McCabe's 'do' - it was like watching 'Life on Earth'. Sickening.

3/05/09